Names for things

[mafief]

I've been reading through science protocols for my class and I keep reading about Domestos. When I first read this I freaked out not knowing what the heck that was and worrying that I would not be able to find that reagent and complete the protocol. (You all in the know are probably laughing at me right now.)

Yahoo for helpful google telling me it's bleach. Bleach. And a bleach brand from the UK. Lo and behold that book and subsequent manuscript was published from UK labs.

So grrr the researchers who used brand names and not just calling it bleach with the name brand in parenthesis like you should. Yes, the concentration of sodium hypochlorite (active ingredient in bleach) is different. Domestos has 5.25% and Chlorox (US brand) has 6.05%. Which can matter when making solutions..... Or not much. But if I were to be a good scientist, I would convert the percentages of one to the other to make sure the solutions were exact. Or not because it's bleach and I'm not sure 22% and 20% are that different in their bacteria killing powers.


Also ran into another difference. What is the difference between an UK and US apple pie? Google did not provide a good answer for this. Apple pie that I make has flour, vegetable shortening, salt, water and cinnamon in the crust. The filling has apples (Macintosh or Cortlands), cinnamon, tapioca pearls (thickener), sugar, and butter.

Comments

[smallhobbit]

I knew what Domestos was ...

Apple pie - pastry base and crust - the pastry made with flour, margarine (and possibly lard) salt and water. Cinnamon would be optional. Cooking apples (not eating apples) possibly pre-stewed with water and sugar. Again cinnamon optional, no thickener or butter.

[mafief]

Lol, see! You'd have no issues with that part of the protocol. :) My internal freak out has been entertaining me, so I thought I'd share.


I'm wondering if the pre-stewing apples is the major difference - I've never done that. Crusts are similar (ok, the fats are different).

[scfrankles]

Re your problems with 'Domestos' - it happens quite a bit in US programmes or stories that someone will mention something (or somebody) that is clearly well-known and I won't have a clue what it is ^___^ I feel your pain - thank heavens for the internet and search engines nowadays ^__^

[mafief]

I was caught off guard because we typically don't have that issue in scientific manuscripts. We usually call things by universally accepted names so this confusion is avoided.

But it totally goes both ways. ;) Yes! The internet is sooo helpful for clearing up these little confusions.